50 great restaurant dishes in the Valley

Grilled Rack of Lamb With Thyme, Rosemary, Garlic and Spicy Pepper Jelly: The name says it all, except that it's done so perfectly and with just a smidgen of smoldering rosemary. Vincent on Camelback, 3930 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, (602) 224-0225.

Chopped Chicken Liver: It's not often said that liver melts in your mouth, but this creamy dish does just that. Goldman's Best Cooking, 6929 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, (480) 367-9477.

Eggplant Panini: This baked eggplant has all the flavor of the traditional pan-fried version, but fewer calories. The whole-wheat bread and side of fresh fruit make this a healthful meal without sacrificing flavor. Franco's Italian Caffé, 2501 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, (602) 381-1155.

Fried Olives: Who knew we could love an olive so much? We're guessing even if you don't like olives, you'll love them hot and in a crispy panko overcoat. Ruby Beet Gourmet, 628 E. Adams St. (Heritage Square), Phoenix. (602) 258-8700.

Vegetable Tart: It's heftier than a quiche and manly enough for any guy. The vegetables spill out of the pastry like clowns stuffed in a Volkswagen. Arcadia Farms at the Phoenix Art Museum, 1625 N. Central Ave., (602) 257-2191.

Crispy Hong Kong-Style Chicken: The name doesn't tell you much, but this bird, first steamed to keep it moist, then flash-fried to make it crispy, really soars. Silver Dragon, 8946 N. 19th Ave., Phoenix, (602) 674-0151.

Chocolate Tower: Christopher Gross' fine French food is all well and good, but we can hardly stand the wait until we can plunge into this cylindrical confection, a chocolate pipe dream. Christopher's Fermier Brasserie, 2584 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. (602) 522-2344.

Sweet Tamale Corn Cakes: Billed as an appetizer but big enough for lunch, these three silver-dollar-size creamy corn cakes are topped with sour cream, salsa and avocado, and served in a pool of salsa verde. The Cheesecake Factory, four Valley locations. 1-800-330-CAKE. Cheesecakefactory.com.

Hamburgers: Three things you want in a burger: big, tasty, juicy. OK, a little greasy, too. That's how we like them and that's how Houston's does them. Houston's, 2425 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix, (602) 957-9700.

Basil Parmesan Chicken Burger: This Italian-inspired burger of fresh basil, cheese and ground chicken is served on a firm, chewy roll baked fresh daily in a brick oven. It's not on the menu but often is offered as a special. Flancer's Cafe, 610 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, (480) 926-9077.

Theresa's Special: Spicy dish of diced beef, tomatoes, onions and four types of hot peppers, served with or without rice and tortillas. Ordering it "enchilada style" adds cheese and sauce. Raul and Theresa's, 519 W. Main St., Avondale, (623) 932-1120.